Answer
According to the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, giving charity is not an optional social activity but a compulsory sacred duty. Charity purifies the inner consciousness and brings balance to one's life.
The Imperative of Charity — The Gita's Clear Directive:
Lord Shri Krishna says:
"Yajnadanatapahkarma na tyajyam karyameva tat | Yajno danam tapashchaiva pavanani manishinam ||" (Shrimad Bhagavad Gita 18.5)
That is — yajna, dana, and tapas — these actions should not be abandoned. They are duties that must be performed, because yajna, charity, and austerity are purifying even for the wise.
This verse makes clear that charity is not merely a means of helping someone; it is a path for purifying and elevating oneself.
How much should one give in charity? The Lord has not specified the amount of charity to be given. However, based on scriptural tradition and practical experience, approximately 10% of one's income or earnings is considered a balanced and appropriate standard. Even today, many traders and conscious householders follow this principle.
However — those who are not in the habit of giving may start with 2% or 5% and gradually bring it to at least 10%.
An important practice is to set aside something every day and place it in a charity box or piggy bank at home. This creates a daily imprint of virtuous conduct.
The fruit of charity: It should be well understood that if there is one action that increases happiness, peace, and prosperity in both this life and the next, it is charity, benevolence, and helping others. Charity does not only transform the life of the recipient; it also transforms the life of the giver.
Types of Charity — The Gita's Discernment: To whom charity should be given and how — on this subject, Lord Shri Krishna has provided an extremely clear classification in the Gita.
Three types of charity:
"Datavyamiti yaddanam diyate'nupakarine | Deshe kale cha patre cha taddanam sattvikam smritam ||" (Gita 17.20)
"Yattu pratyupakarartham phalamuddishya va punah | Diyate cha pariklishtam taddanam rajasam smritam ||" (Gita 17.21)
"Adeshakale yaddanampatrebhyashcha diyate | Asatkritamavajnatam tattamasamudahritam ||" (Gita 17.22)
That is:
Sattvic charity — Charity given out of a sense of duty, to a worthy recipient, at the proper time and place, without any expectation of return.
Rajasic charity — Charity given with the expectation of reciprocation, fame, or out of a sense of ego.
Tamasic charity — Charity given to an unworthy recipient, at an improper time and place, without respect.
Among these, sattvic charity alone is the highest.
The manner of giving charity: According to the spirit of the Gita — charity should be given with respect. The recipient should be regarded in one's heart as a form of God. Charity should be offered as a dedication to God, not with arrogance.
The feeling "I have given so much in charity" should be avoided. Charity should not be displayed or publicized.
Even if you give to a beggar, give with folded hands, so that the person does not feel ashamed of their poverty and experiences a sense of dignity. Destroying someone's human dignity while giving charity is not appropriate.
Should one give charity to unknown individuals or those dressed as sadhus? Now, coming to your main question.
If someone dressed as a sadhu comes to your door and you have no clear information about them, then:
1. First, respectfully offer them a little water. 2. Calmly ask a few questions about their purpose. 3. If even a small degree of trustworthiness is established, giving a modest amount of charity is appropriate.
Even if you later discover that the money was misused — you will still receive the merit of the charity, because you made an effort on your part to verify the worthiness of the recipient.
However, large amounts of charity should always be given only after prior selection, evaluation, and establishment of trust.
Pre-selection of worthy recipients: It is best to select genuinely needy sadhus or virtuous individuals in advance. Similarly, select trustworthy organizations engaged in good works beforehand. Keep a fixed portion of your charity fund reserved for them.
Special importance of scripture-charity: A portion of one's charity should certainly be devoted to the distribution of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. In the light of Gita 18.69, this makes you exceedingly dear to God. The desireless distribution and propagation of the Gita is a precise path to moksha.
Anyone who has an interest in dharmic knowledge is a worthy recipient of Gita-charity. But give it only after clearly asking them whether they will commit to reading the Gita for at least 15 minutes every day. Be sure to obtain their pledge.
Likewise, the gift of Ramcharitmanas and Shrimad Bhagavat Purana is also extremely beneficial and auspicious.
Conclusion — The Balance of Compassion and Discernment: For those about whom you have no complete information, still keep a small portion of your charity fund set aside, so that compassion is maintained and discernment is also safeguarded. This is the balanced path of the Gita. Hari Sharanam.